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Friday, May 27, 2011

Caprice

While traveling means being at the mercy of every whim and caprice from a slew of factors*, there is one thing that remains in your complete and utter control: packing.

I've always loved and loathed the process of packing. It's one thing to calculate what to bring on a trip; it's another to change those calculations into a reality that will fit into a single bag.

The two-page, two column list.

What does a successful packing venture come down to? Transmogrification. And lists, but mostly transmogrification.

I know, I know: "Why are you bringing magic into this?" But truly: I have no idea how it happens otherwise. When you're 24-hours away from takeoff, staring at a two-page list of must-have items, it seems like the only thing that manages to get everything stuffed into your bag is something mystical.

The mystics were with me today. As of last night, I had a packing list, a pile of clothes, toiletries, electronics, and snacks, and a bag** longing to be filled. As of the time I sat down to write this entry, I have a filled carry-on and 47 lbs. of checked bag goodness.

We're packed! AKA Victory!!!

In a few hours, I will step on the plane to Ireland. I have no doubt that I'll be fighting to control my excited caprices every step of the way. And by "fighting" I do accepting without question. I am traveling to Ireland, after all - what's a journey abroad without embracing the new and unexpected? See you in Ireland!